Retailer Aldi UK has expanded its partnership with cocoa-free chocolate brand ChoViva, launching three new seasonal products. ChoViva, owned by German food-tech start-up Planet A Foods, is a chocolate alternative made from a blend of sunflower seeds, sugar and plant-based fats. It is designed to offer the same taste and creamy texture as traditional chocolate. Expanding on its partnership with the brand, initiated earlier this year, Aldi has this month launched a crunchy ‘ChoViva Halloween Gonk,’ while two additional festive cocoa-free products will launch ahead of Christmas: ‘Gav the Gonk,’ with a creamy and crispy filling; and ‘Gus the Gonk,’ with a creamy milky filling. The move follows the successful launch of its cocoa-free Peanut Butter Mini Eggs earlier this year. The supermarket said it aims to meet growing demand for chocolate alternatives, with research showing one in five Gen Z and Millennial shoppers claim they want to see more of these in UK retail. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “We don’t believe that anyone should have to pay a premium for exciting new products,” explaining that the new cocoa-free confectionery offerings are available at a low price (59p) in line with the discount retailer’s commitment to offering value to shoppers.

Tyson Foods-owned brand Hillshire Farm is entering the freezer aisle for the first time with the launch of Stuffed Croissants and Ciabatta Deli Sandwiches. The Hillshire Farm Stuffed Croissants, which contain up to 12g of protein, come in three varieties: Ham and Cheese, Buffalo-style Chicken and Philly Style Cheesesteak. While the Hillshire Farm Ciabatta Deli Sandwiches, with up to 25g protein, are available in Chicken Pesto, Italiano and Turkey and Bacon options. The new range features real butter croissants and rustic ciabatta bread, combining bakery-style craftsmanship with the brand’s signature meats and cheeses. Each product is designed to deliver a satisfying, protein-rich snack or meal in minutes. The six new frozen handhelds will roll out nationwide across the US by the end of October, expanding Hillshire Farm’s footprint beyond the refrigerated deli case and reinforcing Tyson Foods’ commitment to diversifying its portfolio across meal occasions.

Testing, inspection and certification company SGS has partnered with dairy giant Yili Group, aiming to advance quality and sustainability across the dairy sector. The partnership, announced on 24 October 2025, aims to promote full-chain mutual trust and global standardisation across dairy production, safety, sustainability and innovation. An agreement was signed by the two companies earlier in the month (9 October) at Yili Modern Smart Health Valley, located in China’s Inner Mongolia region. Jian Wang, SGS’ general manager for Agriculture and Food, China, signed for SGS, while Yili was represented by Lyu Zhuyong, general manager of its Quality Management department. Before the ceremony, the SGS delegation toured Yili’s National Dairy Technology Innovation Center, Chilechuan Ecological Smart Pasture and Yili Modern Smart Health Valley. During the tour, Yili showcased how it integrates digitalisation, low-carbon practices and intelligent systems across its value chain. Both teams discussed forage cultivation, milk supply quality, sustainable manufacturing and product innovation, aiming to strengthen SGS’ understanding of China’s dairy sector. Through the collaboration, the two companies will work to deliver a range of integrated solutions. These will include safety and nutrition solutions across testing, inspection, certification, training and consultancy. They will also deliver specialised training and consultancy around ‘lab empowerment;’ joint zero-carbon initiatives – including carbon reduction services such as audits and certification; and digital integration, linking SGS and Yili systems for seamless testing and data exchange. Charles Ly Wa Hoi, head of Connectivity and Products, and Health and Nutrition, at SGS, attended the signing as a witness. He commented: “As a globally trusted leader in quality and integrity, SGS will play a pivotal role in advancing Yili’s global development strategy of ‘Comprehensive Value Leadership.’ We look forward to working together to build a sustainable future for healthy food.” Yili Group’s vice president, Liu Dapeng, who also attended as witness, said: “The belief that ‘Yili means quality’ is deeply embedded in our corporate culture. Our long-standing partnership with SGS in food safety reflects this commitment. Today’s agreement is a promise to global consumers – Yili and SGS will jointly demonstrate the quality and reliability of China’s dairy industry to the world.”

UK bread brand Jason’s Sourdough is enhancing its presence in Tesco stores by launching a new line of premium ready-to-eat toasties, now available in 355 locations across the nation. This expansion follows the successful introduction of their Hot Food-To-Go toasties earlier this year, which catered to the foodservice and travel sectors. In response to increasing consumer demand for high-quality, convenient meal options, Jason’s Sourdough has adapted its toastie range for retail, providing a less processed alternative in the Snacking and Savouries category within Tesco's chilled aisle. The new offerings include two gourmet varieties: the Ham Hock & West Country Mature Cheddar and the Tangy & Mature Three Cheese Toastie, both priced at a recommended retail price (RRP) of £3.75. Ham Hock & West Country Cheddar features slow-cooked pulled ham hock, West Country mature cheddar, and Dijon mustard on Jason’s signature white sourdough ciabattin. Meanwhile, Tangy & Mature Three Cheese combines Emmental, cheddar and Italian hard cheese on the same artisan bread. These toasties promise a outer crunch with a soft, tangy centre, appealing to both busy consumers looking for quick meal solutions and those seeking gourmet flavours. They can be prepared in just five minutes using various cooking methods, including grilling, baking, air frying or with a panini press. Jason Geary, master baker at Jason’s Sourdough, said: “Our Ciabattin is often described as ‘the best toast ever,’ which inspired us to create a toastie that maintains that same crispness and flavour. We aimed to enhance the texture of pre-made toasties while keeping flavour at the forefront.” The brand uses a unique sourdough starter and a long fermentation process to achieve its signature flavour and texture. Their toasties are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including slow-cooked meats and aged Cornish cheddar, while being free from seed oils and artificial gums.

Mondelez, the maker of snacks such as Oreo and Cadbury, is reviewing its marketing strategies through adoption of newly developed generative AI tool aimed at reducing production costs by 30% to 50%. Mondele is reviewing its marketing strategies through a adoption of newly developed generative AI tool aimed at reducing production costs by 30% to 50%. This investment comes as the company navigates a challenging economic landscape characterised by rising tariffs and shifting consumer spending patterns. The AI tool, which Mondelez has been developing in partnership with Publicis Groupe and Accenture, represents a significant technological advancement for the packaged-food giant. With an investment exceeding $40 million, Mondelez anticipates that the tool will enable the rapid creation of short television advertisements, with initial deployments expected by the upcoming holiday season and potentially for the 2027 Super Bowl. Jon Halvorson, Mondelez’s global senior vice president of consumer experience, highlighted the urgency of integrating AI into their marketing processes to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional advertising agencies. Mondelez is not alone in this endeavour. Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola are also exploring AI-driven advertising solutions. Notably, Coca-Cola ran AI-generated holiday ads in 2024, although the execution received mixed reviews from consumers. Mondelez's approach, however, currently avoids using human likenesses in its AI-generated content, focusing instead on product-centric animations for brands like Chips Ahoy and Milka. The generative AI tool has already been used for social media campaigns, showcasing visually engaging animations that resonate with targeted consumer demographics. For instance, an eight-second video for Milka features dynamic chocolate visuals tailored to specific audiences, which Halvorson noted would traditionally cost hundreds of thousands to produce. By leveraging AI, Mondelez aims to streamline these processes and significantly reduce costs. In the US market, the AI tool is set to enhance product pages for Oreo on major retail platforms such as Amazon and Walmart starting in November. Additionally, Mondelez plans to extend its use to Lacta chocolate in Brazil and Cadbury in the UK in the coming months. Tina Vaswani, vice president of digital enablement and data at Mondelez, assured that all AI-generated content will undergo human review to prevent any potential missteps. The company has established guidelines to avoid promoting unhealthy eating habits and other sensitive topics.

With autumn and winter driving seasonal product launches, and the continuing trends of convenience and functionality, there have been some interesting new additions to retail shelves over the last week. From ready-to-drink beverages that offer indulgence and functionality, to easy-to-prepare meals and snacks, convenience and flavour are among the trends that are shaping upcoming releases. FoodBev's Leah Smith takes a closer look at some of the latest launches driving consumer interest this season. Jam doughnut-inspired canned cocktail UK RTD cocktails brand The Drinks Bureau has added a new limited-edition offering to its portfolio: Jam Doughnut Daiquiri . Combining white rum with strawberries and lime for a ‘jammy’ sweetness reminiscent of the classic bakery treat, the drink was developed following a surge in demand for jam doughnuts at Morrisons. Shoppers purchased more than 67 million doughnuts from Morrisons bakeries last year – amounting to over 336 tonnes. Like The Drinks Bureau’s previous releases, the new cocktail will launch exclusively at Morrisons for a limited time. The playful serve debuts in the brand’s new 200ml shaker-can format, which requires no cocktail shaker or ice and offers a mid-strength (8% ABV) option in a convenient, ready-to-serve format. Irish liqueur dessert cream Arla Foods has expanded its partnership with Baileys with the launch of a new Baileys Extra Thick Chocolate Cream product in the UK. The indulgent product blends flavours of chocolate with the familiar taste of Diageo’s classic Baileys Irish cream liqueur. It joins an existing UK portfolio of licensed Baileys treats, including Extra Thick Cream, Extra Thick Salted Caramel, Baileys Pouring Cream, Baileys Espresso and Baileys Squirty Cream, which debuted last year. Baileys Extra Thick Chocolate Cream will roll out in a 250ml tub, launching exclusively in Lidl stores this month ahead of wider retail availability in November. Protein+ Power pots UK plant-based meal brand Bol has introduced a new sub-range under its Power Pots line: Protein+ . The nutrition-focused meals target growing demand for natural, high-protein and high-fibre options. Each pot combines globally inspired flavours with whole foods, providing 30g of protein, at least 19g of fibre and up to two of consumers’ recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Designed for convenience, the range includes three variants – Thai Green Curry, Teriyaki Style Rice Bowl and Chickpea Jalfrezi – all ready to eat within five minutes. Functional cognitive performance drink UK-based CBD brand, Goodrays, is making waves in the functional beverage sector with the launch of its first non-CBD drink, Re:Focus . The new range will be available in two flavours – Zesty Lime & Kiwi and Wild Berry Mix – formulated to support mental clarity and hydration. Both are low in calories, contain no added sugars or artificial ingredients, and are designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers. In addition, the key ingredients across the range include Lion’s Mane, magnesium and electrolytes. Carb-free spinach-flavoured tortillas Mission Foods has launched its latest innovation: Mission Zero Net Carbs Spinach Tortillas. Made with real spinach and containing no added sugars or artificial flavours, each tortilla is packed with fibre, making them an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers looking to enhance their meals with nutritious ingredients. The new product aligns with current dietary trends, including keto and GLP-1-friendly lifestyles that emphasise nutrient-dense foods. Non-alcoholic RTD margaritas Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail is poised to capture a larger share of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market with the introduction of its latest ready-to-drink (RTD) offering: a premium margarita . The margarita features a distinct Anejo Tequila aroma complemented by refreshing citrus notes and a hint of salt, all encapsulated in a convenient RTD format. Edna’s products are crafted from all-natural ingredients, free from artificial flavours and preservatives, catering to the growing consumer preference for clean-label beverages. The margarita is now available for purchase through online platforms, wholesale distributors and select speciality beverage partners across the US. Zero-sugar oat milk Carlsberg Britvic-owned plant-based drinks brand, Plenish, has introduced Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk , made with four naturally sourced ingredients and no oils or additives. The drink is produced using only water, gluten-free organic oats, plant-based calcium and salt. Unlike most oat drinks, it is not processed to break down oats into natural sugars – a method Plenish claims makes it a UK-first innovation that meets rising demand for sugar-free options without compromising on creaminess or taste. Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk began rolling out at Waitrose stores earlier this month for an RRP of £2.35, and is also available via the brand’s website.

Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America has unveiled its latest addition to the premium spirits market: a new 100ml liquor bottle manufactured entirely in the US. The introduction of the 100ml bottle expands existing stock collection, which already includes a 50ml liquor bottle, and aims to meet growing consumer demand for smaller, high-quality packaging options. According to Darrell Wineman, VP of sales – food and spirits for AGP-North America: “Ardagh Glass Packaging is proud to be the largest domestic manufacturer of glass bottles for the US spirits market, partnering with some of the most iconic brands in the industry”. Wineman also highlighted that this new offering will help brands differentiate themselves on retail shelves and enhance consumer engagement. AGP-North America has a rich history of over 125 years in glass bottle production, providing a diverse range of premium spirits containers in various colours, sizes, styles and finishes. The new 100ml bottle is designed to be endlessly recyclable, aligning with the growing trend toward sustainability in packaging.

John Savage John Savage, president and CEO of taste at Kerry Group, has been appointed president of the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI), announced during its 72nd General Assembly held in Hanoi, Vietnam. Savage, who boasts nearly 30 years of experience at Kerry and over two decades dedicated to the taste industry, is set to lead a 12-member board as he aims to enhance collaboration among industry stakeholders. His background spans senior leadership roles across Europe, North America and Asia, providing him with a unique perspective on global market dynamics. Since assuming the role of president and CEO of Taste in 2020, Savage has been instrumental in steering Kerry’s strategic direction and operational excellence in flavour solutions. In his inaugural remarks, Savage expressed pride in Kerry’s first presidency within the IOFI: “This is a proud moment both personally and for the company, reflecting our ongoing commitment to shape the future of the taste industry". He continued: "I’m honoured to represent IOFI and look forward to collaborating with the board and members to strengthen stakeholder engagement, champion sound science and advance regulatory harmonisation for a sustainable business environment”. Savage succeeds Jean-Yves Parisot, CEO of Symrise, who has led the organisation for the past two years. Under Parisot's leadership, the IOFI has made significant strides in promoting scientific excellence and addressing regulatory challenges facing the flavour industry. With increasing consumer demand for transparency and healthier options, the IOFI under Savage’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in navigating these challenges while fostering a collaborative environment across the flavour supply chain.

The European Commission has given the green light to the proposed merger between FrieslandCampina and Milcobel, concluding that the deal will not significantly impede competition across key dairy markets in Europe. Following a detailed investigation, the Commission determined that the merger posed no major concerns in the trade of cheese or fresh dairy products in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, the regions where both cooperatives have a strong market presence. This approval marks the final regulatory hurdle for the merger, following a series of notifications submitted to competition authorities worldwide. In addition to the main competition review, a separate notification under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation has also received the go-ahead. Now that this has cleared, FrieslandCampina and Milcobel can move into the final stages of the merger. The vote from the respective boards will take place in December, when the FrieslandCampina Members’ Council and Milcobel’s Extraordinary General Meeting are scheduled. The merger, if approved by members, would bring together two of Europe’s leading dairy cooperatives to enhance scale, efficiency and market resilience in an increasingly competitive dairy landscape.

Unilever has reaffirmed plans to complete the demerger of its Magnum Ice Cream Company by the end of 2025, despite a delay linked to the ongoing US federal government shutdown. In a statement released on 23 October, the company said that all preparatory work remains 'on track and progressing well,' with the company 'committed to and confident of' implementing the demerger in 2025. "We will provide further updates on the revised timetable as soon as practicable," Unilever's statement reads. Following the demerger, Unilever will retain a 19.9% stake in the newly independent TMICC (The Magnum Ice Cream Company) for up to five years. The company said this holding will be gradually reduced 'in an orderly and considered manner' to fund separation costs and maintain capital flexibility through lower net debt. Unilever expects to report the Ice Cream Business Group as a discontinued operation from the fourth quarter of 2025. The move forms part of the F&B giant's wider portfolio reshaping strategy, designed to sharpen its focus on core brands and drive stronger growth. By separating its ice cream arm, Unilever said it aims to improve operational efficiency and unlock shareholder value. TMICC is expected to pursue secondary listings in Amsterdam and London, alongside its planned New York listing, positioning it for international growth as a standalone business.

Natural colours producer Oterra has launched FruitMax Purple 105, a clean label purple shade designed for beverage and confectionery manufacturers. According to the company, the new solution provides ‘superior’ stability and is ideal for beverage applications such as carbonates, juice drinks, syrups and concentrates. Meanwhile, in confectionery, it is well-suited to gummies and jellies, hard candy and chewy candy applications. FruitMax Purple 105 is a blended combination of black carrot and hibiscus concentrates. It can provide a Kosher-certified alternative to grape skin-based colours, and is also Halal-certified and suitable for vegetarians. Phil Cook, head of strategic marketing at Oterra, said: “It is flavour-neutral and has enviable stability when exposed to heat, light and low pH conditions – and its recognisable ingredients appeal to customers as well. We see great use for it in berry-themed beverages and confectionery.” He added: “Black carrot can create a deep, stable purple shade, while the hibiscus is super popular with younger consumers and is well known from its use in teas and other products with a wellness halo, so is great for clean label uses”. According to an Oterra survey, purple is popular with young and ‘adventurous’ consumers. Gen Z favoured purple more than any other colour, while 92% of those who liked purple were open to trying new foods (70% described themselves as ‘adventurous’ or ‘very adventurous’). Nearly 80% of those surveyed said they find purple foods appealing. FruitMax Purple 105 is approved for use in EU and Codex countries and can be labelled in the EU as ‘Black carrot concentrate. Hibiscus extract’ and in Codex countries as ‘Black carrot concentrate, and hibiscus concentrate’.

Froneri has announced plans to acquire the European ice cream operations of Food Union, expanding its footprint across Northern and Eastern Europe. The proposed transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approval, covers all of Food Union’s European ice cream markets – Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Latvia (excluding its dairy division), Lithuania and Romania – and is expected to close in the coming months. Food Union’s Latvian dairy operations are not included in the sale and will remain under existing ownership. Following completion, Food Union’s existing management team will continue to lead the business. Froneri said the acquisition will unlock new growth opportunities and reinforce its commitment to delivering high-quality ice cream to consumers worldwide. Froneri's CEO, Phil Griffin, said: “Food Union has built a portfolio of locally loved brands which we plan to invest in to further develop the significant potential of the business. We look forward to welcoming the Food Union team to Froneri to support our ambition to be the world’s best ice cream company.” Food Union's executive chairman, Soren Lauridsen, added: “Froneri is the global benchmark in ice cream, and we’re delighted that our loved brands have found a perfect home with a truly world-class leader". "Under Froneri’s stewardship, these brands will gain broader reach and the strengths of a global portfolio and capabilities, while preserving the local character and quality consumers love. We look forward to building the next chapter together.” Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.